How to Have a Bloody Good Conversation

Auteur(s): Mai Davies and Sarah Wright
  • Résumé

  • Have we forgotten how to talk to each other?

    We communicate non-stop online, but the more we type the less we talk, and then we get out of the habit of having a bloody good conversation.


    Yet conversations build important connections. They can double a company’s turnover, forge lasting relationships, land that dream job, so how can we make sure every conversation ends well for everyone?


    Join two conversationalists, journalist and broadcaster Mai Davies and communications consultant Sarah Wright, as they explore the ins and outs of having a bloody good conversation.

    It might just change your life!


    © 2025 How to Have a Bloody Good Conversation
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Épisodes
  • The Secret Power of Listening
    Mar 31 2025

    How Listening Can Transform Your Conversations with Jessica Ball

    We like to think we’re good listeners—but are we really? Too often, we drift in and out of conversations, half-hearing what’s being said while planning what to say next. So how do we shift from passive hearing to deep, intentional listening - the kind that transforms relationships, builds trust, and even changes lives?

    In this episode, we’re joined again by Jessica Ball, a meetings facilitator who knows that listening is more than just hearing words—it’s about creating connection.

    Together we explore:

    • Why most of us default to “social listening” (and how it’s holding us back).
    • The three levels of listening - to yourself, to others, and to a group.
    • How our biases, emotions, and assumptions shape what we hear.
    • Why no one is truly boring if you know how to unlock their story.
    • How listening can be the antidote to polarisation, judgement, and disconnection.
    • Simple techniques to sharpen your listening skills - for richer, more meaningful conversations.

    If you’ve ever walked away from a conversation feeling unheard - or realised too late that you weren’t really listening - this episode is for you.

    Find Jessica Ball at www.creatingmeaning.club or on LinkedIn.

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    54 min
  • Breaking Free From Groupthink
    Mar 17 2025

    How to Speak Up and Be Heard in Any Group with Dr. Victoria Stakelum

    Ever felt silenced in a meeting, outnumbered in a discussion, or too intimidated to challenge the status quo? You’re not alone. Groupthink is a deeply ingrained survival instinct - we’re wired to stick with the herd, even when we disagree. But what if staying silent means the wrong decision gets made?

    In this episode, Dr. Victoria Stakelum, a psychologist and NLP Master Coach, helps us understand why speaking up feels so hard—and how to do it anyway.

    In this episode, we break down:

    • Why groupthink happens - and how it can lead to bad decisions.
    • How to recognise when you’re in a groupthink moment.
    • The subtle psychological tricks to make your voice heard.
    • How to frame your opinion so others actually listen (without triggering resistance).
    • Why having just one ally in the room can change everything.
    • Practical strategies for bringing confidence, presence, and authority to group discussions.

    Whether it’s a team meeting, a social gathering, or a high-stakes decision, knowing how to challenge the group without alienating yourself is a game-changer.

    This episode is for you if you want to learn how to hold your ground, influence the conversation and make sure your voice is heard.

    Find Dr Victoria Stakelum at thesuccesssmith.com or on LinkedIn.

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    58 min
  • Mastering the Meeting Minefield
    Mar 3 2025

    How to Have Better Group Conversations with Jessica Ball

    We’ve all been there—the meeting that starts with good intentions but quickly spirals into chaos. Packed agendas, dominant voices, awkward silences, and a creeping sense that nothing is actually getting done. So how do we fix it?

    In this episode, we’re joined by Jessica Ball, an expert meetings facilitator who has worked with organizations like the UN and Cambridge University to design meetings that are inclusive, effective, and - dare we say it - enjoyable. She shares practical strategies to cut through the noise, manage power dynamics, and create meetings where everyone feels heard, valued, and engaged.

    From avoiding meeting overload to handling difficult personalities and using language to defuse tension, this episode is packed with insights you can apply immediately - whether you’re leading the discussion or just trying to get a word in.

    If you’ve ever walked out of a meeting wondering, 'what was the point of that?', this episode is for you.

    Find Jessica Ball at www.creatingmeaning.club or on LinkedIn.

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    1 h et 5 min

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